Belles of Shandon

“The Bells of Shandon, immortalized by Father Prout, were first brought on the stage in London by John Sexton. The drama under that title had great success, and it was copyrighted in 1863 by Dr. J. Dwyer in the District Court of New York. We have not seen the original version of the Bells of Shandon, so that the play produced at Wallack’s last night under the same name may be different from [illeg] we say at present. It is a highly effective play, however, and the plot and incidents are skillfully handled. It was placed on the stage on Wednesday night by Mr. Moss in a truly superb manner, the scenery and mounting being worthy of all praise. Dan Bryant repeated his success of Handy Andy and Shamus O’Brien in the role of Barry O’Leary, a reduced squireen. His genuine delineation of the Irish character serves as a relief to many of the burlesque Irishmen on the stage at present. With Barney Williams and Dan Bryant as exponents of the manners and customs of the Emerald Isle, the green will long wave over the boards. We are surprised that such an excellent actress as Mrs. Clara Jennings should be cast in the secondary role as Beatrice, especially as there was a fitting substitute for her in the character of Kathleen Redmond. The rest of the cast was moderately good, Miss Scott’s dancing being a capital feature in the cave scene. Mr. Hagan should endeavor to rid himself of the heavy melodrama in his acting."

“Dan Bryant produced his new piece of “The Bells of Shandon” at Wallack’s Theatre on the 3rd inst. It was originally produced at the Metropolitan Theatre, Indianapolis, Ind. By Mr. Bryant, and afterward played in Philadelphia. It is the joint production of Harry Morford, connected with the press of this city, and John Brougham, the well known author and actor. Judging by its first performance, it can hardly be called a success, for, although it contains a number of amusing scenes and excellent situations, its lack of plot prevents it from holding the interest of the audience unbroken through three acts and a prologue. Mr. Brougham’s long stage experience renders his treatment of sensational scenes peculiarly happy, and most of his pieces are popular; but this production is not destined to have a protracted [line not legible] performed; nearly every character was individualized and each member of the company manifested a commendable interest in its representation. The fire scene in the first act is well done. There is scarcely any wit in the dialogue, and the success of the piece depends on the situation. It was well mounted, the scenery being very good. Dan Bryant has a rollicking Irish part, so like all heroes in Irish pieces that it would have answered for almost any piece.  He acted the rôle very well, and sung [sic] and danced in his usual happy style. Annie Ward made her bow at this theatre as Norah, and played the character so naturally as to receive a good round of applause. Mrs. W. Winter has improved considerably since we saw her at the Winter Garden. There is an ease, grace and naturalness in her manner, and no attempt to make points, which proves that if she has not already acquired a reputation as an actress, she is not possessed of faults that will prevent the realization of her fondest dreams. J. F. Hagan was very boisterous as Prowle.”